Travel New Zealand in winter for quieter roads, quieter beaches, quieter attractions.
New Zealand is famous for its stunning outdoor scenery and adrenaline-pumping activities.
There are many advantages to traveling during the winter months, and we have a number of tours available that are guaranteed to run between April to September.
Here are our top 10 reasons why visiting New Zealand during the colder months is a must:
“The truth is that New Zealand winter isn’t even that cold!”
Real Adventure Group
1. Snow Sports
Snow-capped mountains mean perfect conditions to get stuck into the extreme snow sports that New Zealand are famous for! Most of our winter tours offer a free day in Queenstown, which means you can head straight to the mountains for some snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding or even dog sledding.
2. Franz Josef Glacier
The stunning Franz Josef Glacier is at its best during the winter months when the ice is harder and easier to cross. Activities here include the Ice Explorer Trip – a breathtaking helicopter flight onto the glacier followed by a guided ice hike.
3. Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools
Winter is the perfect season to warm up in some of New Zealand’s famous geothermal pools and hot springs. Our winter tours allow 2 nights at the Franz Josef Glacier, where you can experience their unique hot spring pools, nestled right in the heart of the rainforest. We also visit the famous turquoise Lake Tekapo, where you can have a relaxing soak in the Tekapo Springs whilst taking in the beautiful alpine views.
4. Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo has many popular winter activities such as ice-skating at their rink, snow tubing, skiing and guided snowshoe hikes. It is also one of the best viewing places for the “Southern Lights”, which are best seen between April and September due to the cooler weather and clearer nights. Head up to the Mount John Observatory and get the perfect view of this incredible natural light show.
5. Whale Watching
From June to August is the best time to see the majestic Humpback Whales around the Kaikoura coast. A visit to the coastal town of Kaikoura on most of our winter tours means that you’ll be able to get a glimpse of these giants of the sea, who are known for feeding within 50 meters of the water’s surface.
6. Beat the Crowds
The winter months are significantly less busy in New Zealand, especially at all the most well known touristy spots. This means that holidaying in the cooler months will allow you to get the full experience at each destination, without having to battle the crowds.
7. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage site and is famous for its active volcanoes. The craters are even more beautiful in winter when they are covered in crisp white snow, and our winter tours include a chance to embark on what is rated one of the world’s best one-day walks – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
8. Winter in Wanaka
Lake Wanaka has 3 world-class ski areas and winter is the perfect season to visit. The mountains are buzzing with snowboarders and skiers and the après ski activities in the evening are not to be missed.
9. Frozen Fiordland
Milford Sound looks even more beautiful in the snow and this is all the more reason for a winter trip to the Fiordland National Park. View the Fiordland from above by taking a scenic flight, or cruise Lake Manapouri or Lake Te Anau and take in the spectacular views from the water.
10. Adrenaline Junkies
The weather might be cooler but that won’t stop the adrenaline junkies from getting their fix! Our winter tours stop off in Queenstown, where you can get your fair share of action-packed adventure by experiencing activities such as the Canyon Swing, skydiving, mountain-biking, zip-lining, horse riding, Harley Davi
Real Kiwi Recommendations
- New Zealand’s Winter is insanely beautiful so book a flight and come check it out!
